About COPARC
Colorado Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (COPARC) is a state chapter of Southwest PARC (SWPARC), a regional working group of Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (PARC). PARC is an inclusive partnership dedicated to the conservation of herpetofauna–reptiles and amphibians–and their habitats. Its membership comes from all walks of life and includes individuals from state and federal agencies, conservation organizations, museums, pet trade industry, nature centers, zoos, energy industry, universities, herpetological organizations, research laboratories, forest industries, and environmental consultants.
What We Do
Colorado PARC is organized for the purpose of implementing the PARC mission within Colorado. Our state is home to 18 amphibian and 53 reptile species that occupy the Great Plains, Rocky Mountains, and western plateaus and canyons. Like the Southwest, Colorado faces a number of conservation challenges, including ongoing drought and water resource consumption, habitat destruction, and the introduction of crayfish, bullfrogs, and non-native fish into amphibian and reptile habitat. Although we are a state chapter of PARC, we welcome our neighbors and friends from all over to become active participants in Colorado amphibian and reptile conservation.
Mission
"To conserve amphibians, reptiles and their habitats as integral parts of our ecosystem and culture through proactive and coordinated public-private partnerships."
Core Values
Inclusivity and Collaboration – PARC is a network that is open to people of all backgrounds, skills, and perspectives, thus providing a community of practice, which coordinates and cooperates toward mutual or complementary goals.
Proactive, Responsive, and Adaptive Approaches - The PARC model of effective conservation anticipates emerging threats when possible, but also responds to existing needs. In doing so, we develop practical solutions, or build the desired expertise or resources. We aim to adapt our approaches when efficiencies or improvements can be realized.
Scientific Integrity - PARC produces or delivers materials and services that are based on the best available science and expertise, and we update and improve these as new data become available.
Biodiversity – Although our focal species are amphibians and reptiles, PARC considers the work we do in the contexts of maintaining, conserving, or enhancing all levels of biodiversity, from genetic diversity to habitat quality and ecosystem function. This approach benefits and complements multiple species and conservation partners.
Optimism – PARC communicates challenges and needs for amphibians and reptiles in a positive manner, providing hope and highlighting successes, and looking at all possible opportunities where we can make a difference.
Colorado Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (COPARC) is a state chapter of Southwest PARC (SWPARC), a regional working group of Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (PARC). PARC is an inclusive partnership dedicated to the conservation of herpetofauna–reptiles and amphibians–and their habitats. Its membership comes from all walks of life and includes individuals from state and federal agencies, conservation organizations, museums, pet trade industry, nature centers, zoos, energy industry, universities, herpetological organizations, research laboratories, forest industries, and environmental consultants.
What We Do
Colorado PARC is organized for the purpose of implementing the PARC mission within Colorado. Our state is home to 18 amphibian and 53 reptile species that occupy the Great Plains, Rocky Mountains, and western plateaus and canyons. Like the Southwest, Colorado faces a number of conservation challenges, including ongoing drought and water resource consumption, habitat destruction, and the introduction of crayfish, bullfrogs, and non-native fish into amphibian and reptile habitat. Although we are a state chapter of PARC, we welcome our neighbors and friends from all over to become active participants in Colorado amphibian and reptile conservation.
Mission
"To conserve amphibians, reptiles and their habitats as integral parts of our ecosystem and culture through proactive and coordinated public-private partnerships."
Core Values
Inclusivity and Collaboration – PARC is a network that is open to people of all backgrounds, skills, and perspectives, thus providing a community of practice, which coordinates and cooperates toward mutual or complementary goals.
Proactive, Responsive, and Adaptive Approaches - The PARC model of effective conservation anticipates emerging threats when possible, but also responds to existing needs. In doing so, we develop practical solutions, or build the desired expertise or resources. We aim to adapt our approaches when efficiencies or improvements can be realized.
Scientific Integrity - PARC produces or delivers materials and services that are based on the best available science and expertise, and we update and improve these as new data become available.
Biodiversity – Although our focal species are amphibians and reptiles, PARC considers the work we do in the contexts of maintaining, conserving, or enhancing all levels of biodiversity, from genetic diversity to habitat quality and ecosystem function. This approach benefits and complements multiple species and conservation partners.
Optimism – PARC communicates challenges and needs for amphibians and reptiles in a positive manner, providing hope and highlighting successes, and looking at all possible opportunities where we can make a difference.
COPARC Steering committee 2026
Anthony Berardi, Senior Co-Chair
SC Member since 2021 CSU Wildlife Biology Undergraduate |
Brendan Hettinger, Assistant Co-Chair
SC Member since 2021 B.S. Zookeeper Technology |
Hayden Lewis, Previous Senior Co-Chair
SC Member since 2021 CSU Wildlife Biology Undergraduate |
Sean McMullen, Treasurer/SW PARC Liaison
SC Member since 2020 Jefferson County Animal Control |
Hunter D. Johnson, Field Survey Coordinator
SC Member since 2016 Previous CO PARC Co-Chair B.S. Wildlife Biology |
Rémi PJG Pattyn, Previous Co-Chair
SC Member since 2021 CPW Amphibian Technician |
|
Troy Bumgardener, Social Media Coordinator
SC Member since 2024 Denver Zoo Herpetology Keeper |
Tim Warfel
SC Member since 2012 Previous Co-Chair North American Field Herping Association |
Stephanie Townsend
SC Member since 2018 Previous CO PARC Treasurer M.S. Environmental Toxicology B.S. Wildlife Biology |
Graham Zephirin
SC Member since 2021 B.S. Biology |
Erin Jackson
SC Member since 2019 Biologist & Zookeeper |
|
Stephen Schilling
SC Member since 2024 |
Madi Ort
SC Member since 2026 Conservationist & Zookeeper |
Calvin Vick
SC Member since 2026 |
The Organizational Structure of COPARC Steering Committee
Colorado PARC (COPARC) activities are lead by a Steering Committee. COPARC is managed by two Co-chairs, each serving a 2-year term, who oversee the Steering Committee and manage operations. COPARC has a treasurer, serving a 1-year term, who oversees financial obligations and fundraising for the organization. Additional positions are designated as the need arises to manage larger under-takings/projects by COPARC.
The Steering Committee (SC) assists Co-Chairs with strategic planning and various projects. The Steering Committee is composed of members tasked with various roles and representing various partners (universities, agencies, citizen science organizations, etc.).
All volunteers are eligible to serve on the Steering Committee.
If you are interested in participating in COPARC as a volunteer, member or Steering Committee member, please Contact Us! Our organization is reliant on our wonderful volunteers to succeed.
Colorado PARC (COPARC) activities are lead by a Steering Committee. COPARC is managed by two Co-chairs, each serving a 2-year term, who oversee the Steering Committee and manage operations. COPARC has a treasurer, serving a 1-year term, who oversees financial obligations and fundraising for the organization. Additional positions are designated as the need arises to manage larger under-takings/projects by COPARC.
The Steering Committee (SC) assists Co-Chairs with strategic planning and various projects. The Steering Committee is composed of members tasked with various roles and representing various partners (universities, agencies, citizen science organizations, etc.).
All volunteers are eligible to serve on the Steering Committee.
If you are interested in participating in COPARC as a volunteer, member or Steering Committee member, please Contact Us! Our organization is reliant on our wonderful volunteers to succeed.
